Effect of high-intensity physical training on balance of patients with COPD submitted to exercise in water and on land

Abstract

Background: Exercise training is considered the cornerstone of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes for patients with COPD. However, its effects on body balance are not completely clear and the influence of different training environments remains unknown. Aim: To verify the effects of two high-intensity exercise training programmes (in water and on land) on functional and static balance of patients with COPD. Methods: 24 patients with COPD (15men;FEV1:46±15%pred) were randomized to one of the two training regimens: in water (WG;n=12) or on land (LG;n=12). All patients underwent high intensity endurance and strength training during 6 months, 3 times a week. The assessments were performed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Functional balance was assessed with the Timed Up & Go test (TUG) and static balance with a force platform (FP) during the one-legged stance test [OLST]. The center of pressure (COP-area) was the parameter used for analysis of the FP data. Results: Regarding functional balance, there was no intra-group changes in both training regimens(Tables 1). There was also no difference in the between-groups comparison. The same findings were observed for the static balance analysis(tables 2). Conclusion: High-intensity exercise training in water or on land does not have any effect on functional and static balance of patients with COPD.